By: Natasha Archary
If everything in life were to rank alphabetically, would you be happy with the rate at which you would be served?
It may be advantageous for those whose surname rank is higher, but not for those with surnames starting with X,Y or Z.
Can you imagine queues at Home Affairs or licensing working according to surnames?
This is generally how schools manage their day to day, by calling students alphabetically, seating them in order from ascending to descending alphabets too.
It helps teachers keep things consistent, teaches children a routine and gives the classroom a structure.
Call it a type of alphabetical hierarchy if you will, but it may not always be a good thing, especially when it comes to sports. No one wants to be picked last, in fact it could lead to misplaced teen angst.
Suffering through a childhood at the end of the line and the back of the class may mean getting only the remaining options in the cafeteria or in the classroom. This conditions people to quickly snatch up opportunities for fear that they may not last long.
One of the other downsides to having a surname rank lower than the first few letters of the alphabet could be admissions to schools and tertiary institutions.
It could put applicants at a disadvantage if enrolments are sorted alphabetically.
There might be the rare occasion the lists are worked in reverse so that the X,Y, Z’z get called up first.
How does the Kaya Drive team rank alphabetically?
- Sizwe Dhlomo
- Keneiloe Huma
- Juliet Joseph
- Sandile van Heerden
One of the ways women “improve” their surname ranks is via marriage. Although there are some women who choose to keep their maiden surnames for this very reason.
Also read: Feel Good: 7 Good Habits to work on
